Acts28
English Standard Version
1 we were brought , then the was .
2 , they a and , it had to .
3 had a of them the , a because the and .
4 the the , they , No a . he has the , has him to .
5He, , the the and .
6 were for to . when had , they changed their and that a .
7 the of were to the of the , , and us for .
8 that the of with . And , and his .
9 when had taken , the of the people the were .
10 , when we were about to , they .
11 we a that had the , a ship of , with the as a .
12 , we there for .
13And from we made a and . a , and on the we .
14 we and were to for . we .
15And the , when they , as the of to . On , and .
16 we , was to , the who .
17 the the , when had , he , , though had our the of our , yet I was as a the of the .
18 they had , they to set me at , there for the case.
19 because the , I was to to — I to .
20 , , I have to with you, it is because the of that I am .
21 they , have , and of the here has .
22 we to your are, with it is .
23 they had a for , they his in . From he to , to the of and trying to the of the .
24 were by what he , .
25 , they after had : your through the :
26 , , You , you will .
27 has , with their they , they have ; they should with their with their with their , I would .
28 let it to this of has been to the ; will .
30 his , who ,
31 the of the and .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 28.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Paul kindly received at Melita. (1–10). He arrives at Rome. (11–16). His conference with the Jews. (17–22). Paul preaches to the Jews, and abides at Rome a prisoner. (23–31).
vv1-10
God can make strangers to be friends; friends in distress. Those who are despised for homely manners, are often more friendly than the more polished; and the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians, condemns many in civilized nations, professing to be Christians. The people thought that Paul was a murderer, and that the viper was sent by Divine justice, to be the avenger of blood. They knew that there is a God who governs the world, so that things do not come to pass by chance, no, not the smallest event, but all by Divine direction; and that evil pursues sinners; that there are good works which God will reward, and wicked works which he will punish. Also, that murder is a dreadful crime, one which shall not long go unpunished. But they thought all wicked people were punished in this life. Though some are made examples in this world, to prove that there is a God and a Providence, yet many are left unpunished, to prove that there is a judgment to come. They also thought all who were remarkably afflicted in this life were wicked people. Divine revelation sets this matter in a true light. Good men often are greatly afflicted in this life, for the trial and increase of their faith and patience. Observe Paul's deliverance from the danger. And thus in the strength of the grace of Christ, believers shake off the temptations of Satan, with holy resolution. When we despise the censures and reproaches of men, and look upon them with holy contempt, having the testimony of our consciences for us, then, like Paul, we shake off the viper into the fire. It does us no harm, except we are kept by it from our duty. God hereby made Paul remarkable among these people, and so made way for the receiving of the gospel. The Lord raises up friends for his people in every place whither he leads them, and makes them blessings to those in affliction.
vv11-16
The common events of travelling are seldom worthy of being told; but the comfort of communion with the saints, and kindness shown by friends, deserve particular mention. The Christians at Rome were so far from being ashamed of Paul, or afraid of owning him, because he was a prisoner, that they were the more careful to show him respect. He had great comfort in this. And if our friends are kind to us, God puts it into their hearts, and we must give him the glory. When we see those even in strange places, who bear Christ's name, fear God, and serve him, we should lift up our hearts to heaven in thanksgiving. How many great men have made their entry into Rome, crowned and in triumph, who really were plagues to the world! But here a good man makes his entry into Rome, chained as a poor captive, who was a greater blessing to the world than any other merely a man. Is not this enough to put us for ever out of conceit with worldly favour? This may encourage God's prisoners, that he can give them favour in the eyes of those that carry them captives. When God does not soon deliver his people out of bondage, yet makes it easy to them, or them easy under it, they have reason to be thankful.
vv17-22
It was for the honour of Paul that those who examined his case, acquitted him. In his appeal he sought not to accuse his nation, but only to clear himself. True Christianity settles what is of common concern to all mankind, and is not built upon narrow opinions and private interests. It aims at no worldly benefit or advantage, but all its gains are spiritual and eternal. It is, and always has been, the lot of Christ's holy religion, to be every where spoken against. Look through every town and village where Christ is exalted as the only Saviour of mankind, and where the people are called to follow him in newness of life, and we see those who give themselves up to Christ, still called a sect, a party, and reproached. And this is the treatment they are sure to receive, so long as there shall continue an ungodly man upon earth.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διασώζω (diasṓzō): to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc.
τότε (tóte): the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō): to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
νῆσος (nēsos): an island
καλέω (kaléō): to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Μελίτη (Melítē): Melita, an island in the Mediterranean
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
βάρβαρος (bárbaros): a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek)
Cross References
Acts 28Direct quotation from Isaiah 6:9-10 regarding judicial blindness and spiritual hardness of Israel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of Christ's promise that believers would take up serpents and not be harmed.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of authority to tread on serpents and scorpions without suffering hurt.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Lycaonians similarly changing their minds to view Paul as a pagan god.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Fulfillment of the Lord's promise that Paul must testify in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Refers back to Paul's arrival in Rome and his initial custody arrangement.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Parallels the common error of Job's friends, assuming calamity always implies hidden guilt.
Supported by John Calvin
Elaborates on 'the hope of Israel' for which Paul was bound.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's parallel description of himself as 'an ambassador in bonds' or chains in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Fulfillment of Paul's prophecy that they must be cast upon a certain island.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illuminates the term 'barbarian' used of those not speaking Greek or Latin.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Paul's practice of turning to the Gentiles after Jewish rejection of the Gospel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB